MCO rules out vaccine for health-care workers

Officials at the Medical College of Ohio Hospitals have again decided not to take part in a nationwide effort to vaccinate health-care workers against smallpox due to concerns about heart-related side effects.

MCO Hospitals previously announced it wasn't taking part in the effort because of other concerns. However, it decided last month to change course and offer the vaccine to some workers. That vaccination process was to begin Friday, but on Wednesday, hospital officials said new concerns about side effects led them to change their minds.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites evidence that the vaccine may cause problems for people with a history of heart ailments. Because of that potential risk, MCO said they would not take part at this time.

Lucas County's two largest hospitals, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center and Toledo Hospital, are taking part.

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